Social Studies is an office within OSPI that provides guidance for the development and implementation of Washington social studies learning standards and assessments. Watch Supt. Chris Reykdal present the keynote address to hundreds of social studies educators in Skamania.

Learning Standards

K-12 Social Studies Learning Standards - the Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) - describe what students should know and be able to do in civics, economics, geography, history, and skills for effective participation in public life.

OSPI-Developed Assessments

Social studies classroom-based assessments are designed to help districts, schools, teachers, parents, and students determine the level of proficiency students achieve in their understanding and application of the social studies learning standards.

Resources for K-12 Social Studies

This page contains links to programs, organizations, and legislative actions - examples of effective social studies education.

Social Studies OER Commons

This page contains resources created by and for educators - including instructional materials, review rubrics, and other useful links.

Civic Education

Civic Education includes the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework and six proven instructional practices for ensuring that every student is provided a high-caliber civic education from kindergarten through high school graduation.

Holocaust Education

Gain knowledge about the history of the Holocaust and other genocides, find resources and best practices for lesson plans, and learn the importance of speaking out against bigotry and indifference, promoting equity, and taking action.

Washington History Day

Washington History Day is a state-level affiliate of National History Day, a nationwide social studies program for grades 6-12. OSPI administers this program in Washington State, in partnership with the Washington State Historical Society.

#FutureVoter Temperance & Good Citizenship Day

In 2018, the Washington State Legislature created the Future Voter program in an effort to increase access to voter registration and recognize the importance of lifelong civic participation.

Social Studies Grant Opportunities

Grant programs offered through OSPI Social Studies are intended to support and enhance the teaching of civics education in the community. 

Social Studies Laws & Regulations

Relevant Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and Revised Code of Washington (RCW) for social studies. 

Social Studies Graduation Requirements

All public high school students are required to meet statewide graduation requirements in order to earn a diploma. In Social Studies, students are required to earn 3.0 credits (per WAC 180-51-067: Section 4, a-d). Visit the Washington State Board of Education (SBE) Social Studies Graduation Requirements web page to learn more.